Spring in Pittsburgh

There are plenty of ways to enjoy Pittsburgh in the spring, no matter your interests, taste buds or even the weather.

Spring in Pittsburgh aligns with the old saying, "in like a lion and out like a lamb." The season opens with winter weather. Then, spring showers roll in, and the city is in full, beautiful bloom.

What to Pack

Spring in Pittsburgh tends to be all over the place, with temperatures ranging from mid-50s to mid-70s and a "false spring" treating us to some sunshine before the rain and cool air comes back with a vengeance. Because of this, you'll want to pack for basically every type of weather. If you're packing light, here are the essentials:

A light jacket (bonus points for a rain jacket)
Long pants that are breathable enough for when the sun breaks through
Rain boots

What to Do

On the cool or rainy days, explore the city’s many indoor attractions. Plan a visit to The Andy Warhol Museum and experience the largest single artist museum in North America. Visit two museums in one and spend an entire day - and then some! - at the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History. Enjoy paintings, sculptures and architecture in the first and then dinosaurs, gems and jewels in the second. With hands-on activities for kids, it’s a fantastic experience for the whole family.

When the weather starts to break, be sure to get outdoors. From magnificent cherry blossoms on the North Shore to wildflowers atop Mount Washington, you’ll find beautiful spring colors blossoming throughout the entire city. For even more floral fun, plan a visit to Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens – a lush oasis in the middle of Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood.

And, of course, make plans to catch a Pittsburgh Pirates game at PNC Park – consistently named one of the best ballparks in America.

Two Hours in Pittsburgh

Whether you’re in town for a college graduation with a few hours to spare, or just passing through, there are a few must-see things in Pittsburgh that can be experienced in only a few hours.

For the garden-lover, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a beautiful place to explore seasonal flower shows in a gorgeous 14-room greenhouse. Plus, it’s minutes away from the campuses of University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University.

Stroll through Downtown in the Cultural District. Check out the public art at Katz Plaza and the Magnolias for Pittsburgh as you walk down Penn Avenue. You can grab a drink or a bite at one of the many restaurants that line the avenue.